A late-night altercation between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has left several activists injured and a makeshift party office vandalised in the Satish area of Tongi, Gazipur. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30am on Friday and has once again highlighted the intensity of intra-party rivalry at the grassroots level.
According to police and local sources, the dispute centred on the control of a tin-shed structure erected on government-owned khas land. For an extended period, one faction had reportedly been using the structure to conduct organisational meetings, coordinate local political activities and prepare for rallies. However, allegations have surfaced that the land in question was never formally leased or allocated by the authorities, placing the structure’s legal status under scrutiny.
Eyewitnesses stated that a group led by Belal Laskar attempted to assume control of the premises shortly after midnight. Supporters of Mozammel Laskar, Joint Convener of the Tongi West unit of the Jubo Dal, resisted the move. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated into a physical clash. Furniture, banners and signboards were damaged during the scuffle, and the disturbance reportedly caused alarm among nearby residents.
Mozammel Laskar has asserted that there had previously been no permanent BNP office in the locality and that he had taken the initiative to establish the facility. He accused the opposing group of orchestrating a deliberate attack to consolidate political dominance in the area. Conversely, leaders aligned with Belal Laskar contended that the conflict arose from attempts to exercise personal control over public land, arguing that such unilateral occupation undermines party discipline and legal norms.
The Officer-in-Charge of Tongi West Police Station, Shahin Khan, confirmed that a written complaint has been lodged by one of the parties involved. He stated that the situation is presently under control and that an investigation is underway. Appropriate legal measures will be taken upon completion of the inquiry, he added.
Incident Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Satish area, Tongi, Gazipur |
| Time | Friday, approximately 12:30 am |
| Cause of Dispute | Control of a party office built on government khas land |
| Rival Groups | Belal Laskar faction vs Mozammel Laskar faction |
| Injuries | Several activists injured |
| Legal Status | Written complaint filed; investigation ongoing |
Political analysts observe that such internal disputes are not uncommon within major parties at the local level, particularly where organisational authority and future electoral positioning are at stake. Control over local offices often translates into influence over membership drives, campaign logistics and candidate selection processes.
Moreover, the allegation that the structure was built on government land without official sanction may invite administrative intervention beyond internal party mechanisms. Should the investigation substantiate claims of unlawful occupation, the matter could extend into formal legal proceedings, thereby compounding the political ramifications.
The episode underscores the fragile equilibrium within local party structures and the broader challenge of maintaining organisational cohesion amid competitive factionalism.